Published: 16/12/2012 10:18 PM

Syrian regime troops withdraw from Aleppo military school

Syrian troops withdrew from a key infantry academy outside second city Aleppo on Sunday, after rebels seized most of the complex the previous day, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Fierce clashes have raged around the sprawling military school since Tuesday, when the insurgents attempted to storm it following a three week siege.

The pro-government daily Al-Watan reported: "The army staged a tactical withdrawal, waiting for reinforcements to arrive."

Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said troops had regrouped at the nearby central prison building in Muslimiyeh and the Al-Kindi Hospital checkpoint, which they recaptured from the rebels on Friday.

"Army units are still advancing in the direction of the central prison, which is encircled by armed men," Al-Watan said.

At least 24 rebel fighters, including Abu Furat, a top rebel commander in Aleppo province, were killed in the battle for the academy on Saturday along with 20 regime troops, the Britain-based watchdog said.

Army units are still advancing in the direction of the central prison.